Originally published by Paydirt,
05.06.2025
Funding for hundreds of new homes in regional towns across Western Australia has been given a boost with a $170 million contribution from the State’s resources sector.
The cash injection for new housing aims to increase liveability and more essential services with $100 million from Rio Tinto Ltd, $50 million from BHP Ltd and $20 million from Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd.
The WA Government is fast-tracking investment in 550 additional Government Regional Officer Housing (GROH) dwellings across seven regional cities – with 305 homes to be located in mining hotspots Karratha and Port Hedland.
GROH homes will be constructed to house regional frontline workers, such as teachers, police officers and nurses.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA chief executive Aaron Morey said resources companies operating in remote and regional towns had always provided housing for mining workers, but the latest investment recognised a need for more work to be done to alleviate longstanding shortages.
The addition of hundreds of GRO dwellings for government workers will provide a major boost to efforts to attract and retain essential frontline staff,” Morey said.
“It will also free up existing housing for the broader community, helping overcome the high costs of building in regional areas
– especially the Pilbara – which is a handbrake on growth.”
Morey also welcomed the WA Government’s focus on improving the liveability of regional cities, many of which play a vital role supporting resource operations.
“WA’s resources sector is anchored in regional WA, where most mineral and energy deposits are situated and developed,” he said.
